How Improper Dosing Instructions Can Lead to Legal Action
Improper dosing instructions can have serious consequences, potentially leading to adverse health effects for patients and even legal action against those responsible. When healthcare providers or pharmaceutical companies fail to provide clear and accurate dosing instructions, patients may be at risk of overdosing, underdosing, or experiencing harmful drug interactions. These errors can result in significant harm, prompting victims to seek legal recourse.
Understanding the legal implications of improper dosing instructions is crucial for those who have suffered due to such negligence, as it may open the door to pursuing justice and compensation. If you need assistance navigating legal matters related to medication dosing, an attorney from Hodges & Foty, LLP can provide invaluable assistance. Please reach out to us at (713) 523-0001 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our committed and supportive lawyers.
What Are Improper Dosing Instructions?
Improper dosing instructions occur when a medical professional, typically a prescribing doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, makes a mistake about how much of a medication should be taken on a given basis.
For example, a medication a patient should take twice per week would have improper dosing instructions if they were told to take it either two times a day or four times a week.
Improper dosing may also apply if a patient is told to take a specific medication with a particular strength or dosage but is instead given a drug of the wrong dose. Imagine a medication with typical doses of 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg. If a patient is prescribed the 30 mg pill but is dispensed the 60 mg version at their pharmacy, this medication error may also give them grounds to file a lawsuit in specific circumstances.
Why Do Dosing Instructions and Potential Errors Matter?
Dosing instructions and potential errors relating to a patient’s medication matter in many ways. For instance, taking too little of a medication may mean the patient does not have enough of the drug in their system for the problems they have been prescribed to address.
Taking too much of a drug may have the opposite effect, becoming too strong and having unexpected side effects or impacts on the body. Other medical errors also have the potential to significantly impact a patient’s health in additional ways.
Errors with dosing instructions and medication can also reduce patients’ trust in medical professionals. Doctors and pharmacists may be perceived as careless, making patients move away from otherwise trusted scientific methods. The health effects can become even more consequential depending on a patient’s actions after losing this trust.
When Do Patients Have Legal Grounds to File a Lawsuit?
Patients have the legal grounds to file a lawsuit when four requirements have been met: someone owed the patient a duty of care, that duty of care was breached, the negligence resulted in negative consequences to a person’s health, and they face monetary loss.
Negative consequences to a person’s health might include worsening symptoms for a chronic or otherwise existing medical condition, serious injuries, or other bodily harm.
An attorney from Hodges & Foty, LLP can help you navigate legal matters if you choose to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. We can assess information and given circumstances and help you obtain the complete compensation you need to recover.
Need Legal Support After a Medication Dosing Error? Get Complete Compensation and Personalized Support From Hodges & Foty, LLP
If you or a loved one has suffered due to improper dosing instructions, navigating the legal process can be daunting. At Hodges & Foty, LLP, we bring extensive trial experience and positive results from thousands of clients, ensuring your rights are protected and giving you the best possible chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys –board certified and recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association – understand the complexities of pharmaceutical negligence and are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable. We take pride in our personalized approach, offering dedicated support and legal guidance every step of the way. Contact us today at (713) 523-0001 or visit our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
